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Saturday, July 14, 2012

The Journey, Bunion Surgery ,Hong Kong

My Feet, Before Surgery (courtesy of The Bunion Centre)

My Feet, After Surgery (courtesy of The Bunion Centre)

All I could feel was panic! On one level I realised that I was coming out of the anesthetic but couldn't open my eyes, and I was desperately trying to speak. I couldn't breath. I could hear the words in my head, I just couldn't get them out.

I arrived into Hong Kong from Australia via Singapore, only a couple of days prior. I had only met my doctor the day before, and now, I had only just had, the operation that had been planned for months and have wanted for years.

I had been quite anxious about leaving my comfort zone in Australia, and was reacting to the pollution in Hong Kong. And, that may have been why the doctors decided to put a tube down my throat. But, it was just after they were pulling the tube out that I realised I couldn't breath. I must have finally got the words out. Because within moments they were on to it and I was breathing again. And quickly fell back into the comfort of the anaesthetic. I have been on the Ventolin ever since.

Well, that was the worst thing that happened. The team working to correct my feet are Dr Wu, the Surgeon and Dr Chan, the Anesthetist. Both polished gentlemen with wonderful skills and excellent bed side manners. So refreshing to have such a high level of care and all with a smile.

It was a relief to arrive at the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital and see how scrubbed and efficient it is . I love that they have an exclusively vegetarian menu. And, it is a menu, and you pay for what you order separately. You can order any item between 7am and 8pm. The staff, a wide mix of nationalities, and all gorgeous, lots of smiles and genuine care.

I haven't written for a while as I said some crazy things in letters to the family, best not to write under the influence of an anaesthetic, I reckon. So, back in South Fremantle, happy for my experience and working on the healing, which is going to be a long, slow process.

I am really appreciative and thankful of the care that has been shown to me, by everybody.. thank you.